What is metacognition?

In this episode, I talk about metacognition, which can be described as knowledge and understanding of your own thinking.

I talk about the 3 main components of metacognition:

1. Person knowledge - thinking about how you think and feel
2. Task knowledge - thinking about the task
3. Strategy knowledge - thinking about the best strategies to complete the task.

Here's a simple overview.

In this episode, I look at how you can identify a useful goal and then create a basic learning plan by asking 6 questions.

This works even better when you discuss these questions with a mentor, teacher, coach, or supportive friend.

1. What do you want / need to learn / improve? - Identify skill /task X.
2. Why do you want / need to learn / improve X? - Identify purpose
3. What's stopping you from learning / improving X? - Identify obstacles
4. What's a good way to learn/improve X? - Identify options
5. What tools/materials can help you learn/improve X? - Identify resources
6. Who can help you learn/ improve X? - Identify collaborators.

In this episode, I look at the CEFR Self-Assessment Grid for C1. It's a useful tool to get an idea of your level of English when understanding, speaking, and writing.

Key takeaways:

• An overview of the CEFR
• Why C1 is a high level
• How the CEFR assesses understanding, speaking, and writing skills
• Why spoken production (monologue) is different to spoken interaction (dialogue)
• The importance of working with an English teaching professional to assess your skills.

Here is the CEFR Self-assessment Grid

Why are your receptive skills (listening and reading) better than your productive skills (speaking and writing)?

In this episode:

We'll discuss why your ability to understand a language is often stronger than your ability to speak or write it, and explore strategies to bridge the gap between receptive and productive language skills. Drawing on concepts like the "Noticing Hypothesis" and the "Output Hypothesis," we'll dive into practical tips for enhancing your speaking and writing abilities in English.

Key Takeaways:

• Why it's normal to understand more than you can express in a second language
• The importance of noticing language features like grammar structures, phrases, and linking words
• How to actively practice using new vocabulary and expressions
• Techniques for building productive language skills, including recording yourself and spaced repetition
• How output practice can help consolidate language into long-term memory

Tune in to learn strategies that will help you become a more confident, autonomous English speaker and writer!

What are the learner's responsibilities? What about the teacher?

We'll explore key attitudes toward learning and teaching that can transform your language learning experience. Drawing on insights from Autonomy and Independence in Language Learning by Phil Benson and Peter Voeller, we’ll discuss how to balance teacher feedback with self-assessment, the value of peer learning, and ways to test yourself for continued growth.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of self-correction in language learning

How group and pair work can boost your speaking skills

Tips for testing yourself and using spaced repetition

Balancing teacher guidance with independent learning

Tune in to discover strategies that will help you take charge of your language learning journey!

In this episode:

I'll introduce a powerful framework called the "Five M's" that can help you take control of your English learning journey. We’ll discuss five key areas—Motivation, Mindset, Method, Materials, and Mentor—that are essential for progressing to C1 and beyond. I’ll guide you on how to reflect on your motivation, develop a mindset for growth, design your personal learning method, choose the right materials, and find a mentor to support your learning.

Key Takeaways:

• How to identify and sustain your motivation for learning English
• The importance of mindset and overcoming limiting beliefs
• Designing your own method for learning, based on trial and error
• Choosing the right materials without being overwhelmed
• The role of a mentor or coach in your language development
• Tune in to learn how focusing on these five elements can boost your language learning and help you reach your goals!

Read my LinkedIn post on the 5 Ms here.

Watch a Youtube video here.

In this episode: I'll talk about how your mindset can significantly impact your progress in learning English. We'll explore the difference between a growth mindset—believing that skills can be developed through effort—and a fixed mindset, where abilities are seen as unchangeable. I'll share practical examples related to vocabulary, public speaking, and writing, along with tips on how to embrace challenges and use feedback to improve.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth vs. fixed mindset in language learning
• How mindset affects your learning journey
• Tips for shifting to a growth mindset and embracing mistakes.

Watch this video to learn more about Growth and Fixed mindsets.

In this episode: I'll guide you through key areas you need to think about if you want to take control of your English learning journey and move from B2 to C1. We'll talk about practical ways to assess your confidence in time management, finding learning materials, and evaluating your own progress. Plus, I'll offer tips on how to stay motivated and become more autonomous in your language development.

Key Takeaways:

• Identifying and improving your time management for learning and using English
• How to find the right materials and people to help you learn
• The importance of setting goals and reflecting on progress
• How to stay motivated and adjust your learning strategies
• Tips on becoming a more independent and confident language learner